EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
AND ADMINISTRATIVE CERTIFICATION
MISSION STATEMENT
The University Of Justice And Wisdom Education Department prepares educators committed to the success of all students, believing that quality education is vital to wholeness of persons, sustainability of communities, and a vibrant, just democratic society. To that end, and grounded in The University Of Justice And Wisdom’s mission and vision, the Education Department prepares educators through the development of professional habits of mind, heart, and practice:
Habits of Mind – Demonstrating flexibility in thinking about
key theories and conceptual frameworks to address complex,
adaptive challenges.
Habits of Heart – Demonstrating behaviors and beliefs that
connect learning to life, liberating the power and creativity
of the human spirit.
Habits of Practice – Demonstrating the capacity to
effectively engage and contribute to learning communities
and systems within which education is embedded.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Both the Administrative Certification Program and the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership are State Approved Administrative Programs that provide candidates with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage today’s schools. The programs prepare the educational leader to promote the success of all students by facilitating a vision of success that engages the school staff, families, and community members in research based practices that lead to increased student achievement. They focus on the principal as the instructional leader, preparing candidates to ensure both a supportive environment and rich learning experiences for students. In addition to a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of administrative and management theory and capacity building, candidates are introduced to the concept of the principal as change agent. Candidates learn to effectively engage the systems within which schools are embedded by applying principles of system theory in their planning, decision making, and change processes. They are challenged to examine the relationships among social justice, school culture, and student achievement and to work for a school vision and culture of high expectations, and equitable opportunities for all students.
Courses are offered fully online. The program prepares administrators for K-12 school principal, supervisory, and director opportunities. Candidates completing either of the programs will be eligible for State of Michigan Administrative Certification K-12. For students from states other than Michigan, they are advised to be aware of any additional state requirements needed for administrative certification. Throughout the program, faculty works with students in meeting all state requirements for certification.
The Administrative Certification program is a 21-24 credit program open to certified teachers who already hold a Master’s degree from an accredited institution and are interested in becoming a K-12 administrator. Candidates can complete the program in 4 semesters if they register for a minimum of six credits a term. Students who are currently principals at the time of admissions are able to submit a professional portfolio to be reviewed for consideration of waiving Internship II (EDL 687). Please see the catalog section for the Portfolio review process.
The Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership program is a 30-33 credit program open to those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, hold a teaching certificate, and are interested in becoming a K-12 administrator. Candidates can complete the program in 6 semesters if they register for a minimum of six credits a term. Candidates who are currently principals at the time of admissions are able to submit a professional portfolio to be reviewed for consideration of waiving Internship II (EDL 687). Please see the catalog section for the Portfolio review process.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Administrative Certification candidates must have a master’s degree, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and a teaching certificate. They are also required to develop a career plan, submit two letters of recommendations [at least one of which is from a school administrator] that address their potential as an educational leader, and meet all requirements stated in the Graduate Admissions section of the catalog.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and a teaching certificate. They are also required to develop a career plan, submit two letters of recommendations [at least one of which is from a school administrator] that address their potential as an educational leader, and meet all requirements stated in the Graduate Admissions section of the catalog.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate, administrative certificate and master’s candidates must have successfully completed the required graduate credit hours in their respective program and maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA). The complete listing of all applicable graduation requirements is included in the academic policies section of the Course Catalog.